The blasts targeted a checkpoint near the home of the provincial governor, Salim Alwan, who was reported unharmed in the attack. It is one of the largest strikes in Southern Iraq this year.

Which seems to be a recent theme, as other attacks in the south have occurred recently including rocket attacks in Basra. Diwaniyah and the surrounding area are mostly farming communities, but their location makes them a key stop in transport between Baghdad and Basra.